Promising Morgan State Student Killed In Robbery Attempt

Baltimore police are looking for whoever shot and killed a Morgan State University student Monday night. The 19-year-old was slain outside a convenience store in northeast Baltimore.

Investigators said that he walked up on a robbery in progress.

Friends and family said that Jonathan Tobash was on a promising path. He was just making a quick trip to the store that night, like he'd done so many times before.

"I feel so sorry and he's like my son to me. He's like my son. I feel so sad what happened to him," store owner Edil Maazep said.

Maazep really looked forward to Tobash coming into his corner store in the 3500 block of Pelham Avenue. He was he always had a smile, and told him about his classes at Morgan State University, where he was a sophomore studying to be an engineer.

"His mom she'd be sending him to get a soda or to get milk or to get something you know," Maazep said. "He (was) respectful, always he respectful, when he come in my store he always shake hands."

Maazep walked up to the store around 10:30 p.m.. Monday just as attackers were robbing two people outside, police said.

"They then decided to commit a robbery against him. He ended up fighting back, and the suspect ended up shooting him," Baltimore police Media Chief T.J. Smith said.

Tobash was rushed to a hospital, but didn't make it. Police believe the suspects might be the same people wanted for a string of robberies in northeast Baltimore, but they don't have good descriptions.

Tobash was the youngest of four children. He graduated from Poly in 2016, where he was in ROTC and played rugby.

Maazep is sad for Tobash's family, and for the neighborhood where he described several senseless murders over the past year. He said Tobash had only $6 in his pocket.

He is asking those with information to come forward.

"They need to call the cops -- they need to pay attention -- the cops are not enemies. No, it's not. They be helping us," Maazep said.

Morgan State University officials issued a statement Wednesday evening that read in part, "The unfortunate death of this promising student is a true loss (We) hope that those responsible for his death are brought swiftly to justice."

Police said they have some video from the convenience store, but they're looking for more.